Leslie Wellington Appointed as Director of Economic Development
Published on September 24, 2026
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger Appoints Leslie Wellington as Director of Economic Development
KINGSTON, NY - Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announced today that Leslie Wellington, who has served as Interim Director since July, has been appointed Director of the Ulster County Economic Development Department.
Wellington, an Olivebridge resident and former Chair of the Ulster County Economic Development Alliance (UCEDA), brings nearly two decades of experience in place‑based community and economic development. Since stepping into the Interim Director role, she has delivered exceptional leadership, strengthened partnerships across the County, and accelerated major economic initiatives.
“Leslie has hit the ground running,” said County Executive Jen Metzger. “She has been deeply engaged with our industry partners and businesses, launched major initiatives like the Revolving Loan Fund, and is driving the vision for our Economic Futures Summit with tremendous skill and energy. Leslie brings deep experience, a collaborative spirit, and a clear commitment to building a strong, resilient local economy. I’m thrilled to appoint her as Director and look forward to continuing our work together to support Ulster County’s key industries, expand opportunity and strengthen workforce pathways.”
Since July, Wellington has led the Department’s work to build and strengthen relationships with employers, lenders, educators, and community organizations. She has attended and supported numerous business and community events — including the Ulster Chamber Business Expo, Ulster Strong listening sessions, and meetings with the Rondout Valley Business Association, Ellenville’s COFFE, the County Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development, and more — ensuring the Department is visible, accessible, and responsive to local needs.
Wellington supported the launch of the County’s Revolving Loan Fund with Deputy Jelka Wickham, which provides low-cost capital to our small business and nonprofit communities. Under her leadership, the Department is working to launch a Microenterprise Grant Program, an Agricultural Sustainability Loan Program to support farmers and food‑based businesses and accelerate the Main Street Forward program to encourage business activity in commercial corridors across the County. She is also the lead architect of the 2026 Ulster County Economic Futures Summit, working closely with Office of Employment and Training Director Sharon Williams to shape a Countywide strategy for workforce pathways and industry growth.
“I’m deeply honored to continue serving Ulster County in this role and grateful to County Executive Jen Metzger for her confidence in me,” said Wellington. “Ulster County is full of people and organizations committed to building a stronger future, and I’ve already seen how powerful collaboration can be. I look forward to working alongside the talented Economic Development team, our businesses, lenders, educators, workforce partners, and community organizations to build on the great work underway. Together, we can strengthen our economy by investing in the people, industries, and partnerships that make Ulster County such a special place to live, work, and build a future.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Leslie since she joined the UCEDA board in May of 2025,” said Megan Sperry, Chair of the Economic Development, Planning, Education, Employment, Arts & Agriculture Committee. “Since then, I have observed that she is a solutions-based thinker who brings innovative strategies to Ulster County. In her role as Interim Director for Economic Development, we have aligned on collaborations and goals for events and initiatives in the upcoming months. I look forward to continuing the momentum with Director Wellington as she catalyzes economic growth here in our community.”
Wellington’s collaborative ethos — grounded in partnerships among government, business, education, workforce organizations, and community groups — continues to guide her work in the Department.